INDIANAPOLIS COLTS T/G-JOE REITZ ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Recommended Posts

Indianapolis Colts tackle/guard Joe Reitz today announced that he is retiring from the NFL.

“I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to coach Joe for five seasons here in Indianapolis,” said Head Coach Chuck Pagano. “He stood out as a selfless player who was respected by his teammates in addition to being a tremendous family man. As a native of the Indianapolis area, Joe made an impact on the community he grew up in. He demonstrated how one should conduct himself on and off the field and all Hoosiers and Colts fans alike should be proud of the way he represented himself. We are thankful for Joe’s contributions to this organization and wish him the best moving forward.”

Reitz played in 73 games (44 starts) in six seasons (2010-16) with the Colts. The versatile offensive lineman saw action at left guard, right guard, left tackle and right tackle during his career. Reitz also started three postseason contests for the team. Prior to Indianapolis, he spent time with the Miami Dolphins (2010) and Baltimore Ravens (2008-09). Reitz originally signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2008 after playing collegiate basketball at Western Michigan.

In 2016, Reitz saw action in 13 games (six starts) and blocked for a Colts offense that ranked tied for fifth in the NFL in passing yards per game (262.6), seventh in points scored (397) and 10th in yards per game (364.4). He helped pave the way for running back Frank Gore who logged the team’s first 1,000-yard rushing season dating back to 2007. In 2015, Reitz competed in all 16 games for the first time in his career and made 14 starts at different positions (10 at right tackle, two at left tackle and two at right guard).

Reitz was named the recipient of Indianapolis’ 2015 Ed Block Courage Award. One of the most active Colts players in the community, the Fishers, Ind. native is very passionate about supporting his fellow Hoosiers and is heavily involved in charitable endeavors in the greater Indianapolis region. He has hosted youth football camps at Hamilton Southeastern High School, St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel, Ind. Reitz worked with the Knights of Columbus to host a Special Olympics mini combine at the Colts practice facility in February of 2015. He has visited Riley Hospital for Children to meet with patients during the holiday season. For the last four years, Reitz and his wife have hosted a Tackling Homelessness Event for Horizon House. He is active in Christian outreach efforts and Indianapolis CYO programs. Reitz has served as a guest speaker for All Pro Dad’s Chapter Breakfast at Hazel Dell Elementary School and at Coburn Place’s Blue Breakfast. He also read to students as part of the Colts Day in Schools event and was a reader for Read Across America Week.

In 2014, Reitz competed in 10 games (four starts) and was part of an offensive line that assisted the team in setting a single-season franchise record for net yards (6,506). He also started all three postseason contests at right tackle. In 2013, Reitz played in 14 games (three starts) on the offensive line and assisted Indianapolis in averaging 108.9 rushing yards per game, the team’s highest total since 2006. He competed in nine games (eight starts) in 2012. In 2011, Reitz appeared in 11 games (nine starts). He spent time on the Colts active roster and practice squad in 2010.

Posts

I love that Wayne and Mathis have taken on coaching roles with the team. Horseshoe guys for life.....except for that half a training camp Reggie spent with the evil empire that we don’t like to talk about.